One of the best ways to explore the natural areas of Lake County is by canoe. The views from the lake can offer up a totally new way to experience new areas, or give old favorites a new twist. Of … Continue reading
Let’s face it… our weather is infamous for its ups and downs and sometimes…even its lefts and rights. So when we have a good day on the horizon, we’re packing up the car or bike and heading outdoors. Whether it’s … Continue reading
Lake County visitors had a good reason to gallop over to Lambs Farm this past weekend.
Lambs Farm is a nonprofit organization that has expanded into a 72-acre campus that provides residential and meaningful vocational services to more than 250 individuals with developmental disabilities every year. Its businesses and attractions include Lambs Industries, a farmyard, Cedar Chest Thrift Shop, Sugar Maple Country Store, Magnolia Café & Bakery, and Dogwood Pet Shop & Boutique.
From May 14 through May 21, Lambs Farm hosted some of the country’s most beloved horses – the Budweiser Clydesdales! Visitors could see the nearly 2,000 pound horses outside the farmyard area, and Lambs Farm hosted a parade for a more close-up experience on May 18.
For young visitors, the farmyard is a favorite attraction, which is open daily from 10 am until 5 pm. In addition to face-to-face encounters with farm animals and a petting area, the farmyard offers other attractions, including a miniature train ride, carousel, miniature golf, and a bounce house. Admission prices are available here.
In addition to the Clydesdales, Lambs Farm hosted Train Days on May 18 and 19, offering children and opportunity to participate in train-related activities and view model railroads from the Valley Model Railroad Association.
Lambs Farm is located at 14245 W. Rockland Road in Libertyville, just east of I-94. For more information on Lambs Farm’s businesses and attractions, visit their website. Upcoming events include the Lambs Farm Charity Car & Bike Show on June 1 and a Father’s Day Brunch on June 16.
Don’t worry – the snack bar has better offerings than hay and carrots.
Are you looking for the best place to go in Lake County? Then you should go to the beautiful Independence Grove in Libertyville. The first reason you should go is because there is beautiful scenery and nature in the town … Continue reading
One of the most appealing characteristics of Lake County is the extensive network of green space and protected lands, including state parks and numerous forest preserves and historic sites. Now that the weather is finally warming up, it is a great time to grab your bikes or comfy shoes and head over to one of these great spaces! Here are a few of my favorite forest preserves in Lake County:
Almond Marsh Forest Preserve
Almond Marsh is one of the county’s most popular spots for bird-watching. The forest preserve boasts a great blue heron rookery and enjoys the distinction of being one of Illinois’s Nature Preserves. For those in Lake County looking for environmentally friendly volunteer opportunities, several restoration workdays each year.
Almond Marsh Forest Preserve is located in Grayslake, south of Route 120 and west of N. Almond Road.
Independence Grove
A popular wedding venue, Independence Grove boasts a visitors center with sweeping views of its 115-acre lake and surrounding nature preserve. This forest preserve is a perfect location for long bike rides, rollerblading, or casual strolls around the lake. The beach is slated to reopen for the summer season on Saturday, May 25, and the park’s boat rentals are popular among visitors. For music lovers, the summer concerts held at Independence Grove are sure to be a hit.
Independence Grove is located in Libertyville, off of Route 137 and east of Milwaukee Road.
Lakewood Forest Preserve
The site of the Lake County Discovery Museum, Lakewood Forest Preserve is home to a large section of the Millennium Trail and a popular spot for picnickers. The park offers unique events, such as an evening guided hike to learn about the acoustic monitoring that bats use on Tuesday, April 16.
Lakewood Forest Preserve is located in Wauconda, off of Route 176, west of Fairfield Road.
For a county-wide map of Lake County’s forest preserve, please visit the Lake County Forest Preserve District’s website.
1. First Fridays on Main Street. Tonight from 6 to 9 p.m., explore Downtown Libertyville with dinner, along with a stroll through local shops that offer live music and promotional events. Tonight, First Friday participants include Tommy’s Pizza & Sports … Continue reading
